Coptic textile fragment from Egypt
Object No. A6167
The majority of Coptic textiles that survive today come from burial contexts. Egypt was a major manufacturer of garments in the late antique period. Decorations typically feature scenes with figures including humans and various animals, often in very stylised and schematic renderings. Especially in this early period, motifs popular in pre-Christian art can be found, sometimes mixed without regard for their original meanings. Examples of this include mythological imagery and hunting scenes, which were often combined with vegetal details. Alina Kozlovski, Assistant Curator, November 2021
Loading...
Summary
Object Statement
Textile fragment, Coptic, plain and tapestry weave, linen / wool, Egypt, 350-440 CE
Physical Description
Roughly oval shaped, slit tapestry and plain weave Coptic textile fragment, c. 350-440 CE. A trefoil leaf shaped floral motif, worked in black, red and dark tan coloured wool on a linen warp. Currently is backed by a stiff light green coloured open tabby wave fabric and tacked in place by a brown coloured modern thread. The original is backed in some areas by a plain weave historical backing.
DIMENSIONS
Width
70 mm
Depth
95 mm
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Professor Said El Sadr, 1972
Acquisition Date
10 October 1972
Copyright for the above image is held by the Powerhouse and may be subject to third-party copyright restrictions. Please submit an Image Licensing Enquiry for information regarding reproduction, copyright and fees. Text is released under Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivative licence.
Image Licensing Enquiry
Object Enquiry